Hospice Nurse Honoured At Marriott Hotel

Deputy Ward Sister Maria, of Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice welcomed as guest of honour at the opening of Marriott Hotel’s newest Spa room
On Friday 15th July Marriott Hotel unveiled their newest Spa room with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10am. Guest of honour at this event was Deputy Ward Sister Maria of Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice who cut the opening ribbon and then enjoyed a Spa day at the Marriott in recognition of her long service of nearly 23 years to the Hospice.
Maria Ford is Deputy Ward Sister on the In Patient Unit at Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice, and in her words, has “been there forever”.
Maria feels very privileged to say that she was one of the first five nurses at the hospice, starting work in December 1993 before the hospice opened its doors to patients.  She has gained a wealth of experience, has seen all the changes in palliative care, changes in the hospice and the additional services offered since that time.
The hospice opened as a small unit and the staff had to earn the trust and support of the local community.  Work still remains inspiring for Maria who has seen so many changes as the hospice has grown and flourished and of course, the hospice continues to look at the needs of patients and families to ensure it provides a complete service of care.
Maria counts her blessings to be working as part of such a great team.  Her time at the hospice has been the most challenging but also the most rewarding and Maria continues to work with the hospice as it develops with a lot of pride.
General Manager of Marriott Hotel, Gareth Marsh said “ We are very excited to be welcoming Maria to the hotel and have her as the guest of honour at this event. When thinking of whom we wanted to ask to open our new Spa room and enjoy a Spa day here as soon as a nurse from the hospice was suggested I thought it was a wonderful idea. We work closely with Greenwich & Bexley hospice throughout the year on a number of events and this seemed a fantastic opportunity to give back to someone who has dedicated so many years to helping so many people. ”
Maria said “Being asked to do this feels wonderful. The staff have all been so kind and the spa day has been something very special to remember.”